The Search Engine Optimization Expert You Need to Follow

August 24, 2016

Not only does this search engine optimization expert know how you can get ahead in Google, he is relentless in his pursuit of organic search master and delivers must-follow advice for content marketing with a sense of humor and a handlebar mustache that just won’t quit.

While he is officially the founder and former CEO of Moz, a search engine optimization (SEO) consulting company headquartered in Seattle, Washington, Rand Fishkin’s other title, “The Wizard of Moz,” seems more appropriate, for a wizard he is, when it comes to SEO and understanding what it takes to rank in Google for organic search. This self-deprecating search genius has a long list of speaking and writing engagements on his resume and never forgets to thank the people who have helped him along the way.

His approach to search as it pertains to business and marketing can be summed up in this February 2015 tweet: “Best way to sell something – don’t sell anything. Earn the awareness, respect and trust of those who might buy.” This philosophy is spelled out in more detail on the Moz website as what it calls its “TAGFEE Tenets,” the principles by which SEOMoz was founded (SEOMoz became just plain Moz in 2013), which stand for:

Transparent

Authentic

Generous

Fun

Empathetic

Exceptional

4 Reasons Why You Should Follow Rand Fishkin to Get Ahead in Google

His Unapologetic Passion for Best Practices

Rand is unapologetic and uncompromising in his approach to SEO in following best practices and avoiding black hat SEO tactics. You will not get into trouble with Google by following his advice for web architecture and content.

The Amount of Free Expertise Rand (and Moz) Give Away

From the Moz Beginner’s Guide to SEO which provides a complete overview of how search engines work and what content marketers can do to rank well in Google to weekly “Whiteboard Friday” videos-plus transcription blog posts and the constant stream of data-based SEO advice Rand himself authors on the Moz site, if you have a questions about SEO, you will probably find that Rand has already answered it.

He Isn’t Boring

Let’s face it, for some of us, learning about technical topics like SEO, data, analysis and Google rankings is not all that exciting. Rand Fishkin has an uncanny ability to take what might otherwise be dry, hard-to-understand and complex SEO formulas and translate them into interesting and even entertaining formats.

From Whiteboard Friday videos to blog posts and in-person speaking events, Rand doesn’t shy away from complex, complicated topics but manages to make them understandable and relevant. Whether practiced or inherent, if you get the chance to sit in when he delivers a keynote event, you’ll quickly understand that he is a born communicator who packs his presentations full of savvy, helpful SEO advice that nearly any content marketer can apply to their own work.

He Isn’t Stopping

Unlike some other SEO experts whose work may stop and start, Rand Fishkin is always there for you. He isn’t done learning about SEO, so he isn’t done teaching and sharing SEO information, news and tips with all of us. Not only is he continuing work at Moz in his role as contributor, he is also writing a book about his experiences in the digital marketing and SEO world including the story behind Moz that should be available in mid-to-late 2017.

If you do nothing more than follow Rand Fishkin on Twitter, you will have access to a constant stream of SEO and web development topics you can use to tweak and refine your organization’s digital marketing plan. You can follow Rand on the digital medium of your choice, from social networks to blog. We have included his social media self-descriptions here for the sheer entertainment value:

While many SEO marketing tactics can be executed at no cost, without a website, your organization doesn’t have the ability to get found online. If lack of working capital is standing between your business and the search-optimized website it needs to grow, we can help. You can use Kabbage business loans to access the working capital you need to build your dream website and grow your company.

What about you? Do you have a favorite SEO or digital marketing expert you think other business owners should follow? Tweet your answer to us at @KabbageInc.

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